States and Capitals of India 2023: 28 States and 8 UTs in India

1. ANDHRA PRADESH

• Capital – Hyderabad
• Language – Telegu
• Area – 160,205 km²
• Dance – Kuchipudi
• Mammal – Blackbuck
• Tree – Neem
• Flower – Jasmine

Andhra Pradesh is located on the southeastern coast of India. The state is into mining activities and industry in addition to agriculture.

Visakhapatnam, a major port, is situated on the coast lining the Bay of Bengal. It is well known for the revered temple Tirupathi, beautiful handloom weaves and the dance Kuchipudi.

2. ARUNACHAL PRADESH

• Capital – Itanagar
• Language – English
• Area – 83,743 km²
• Dance – Aji Lamu, Chalo, Hiirii Khaniing, Popir, Ponung, Pasi Kongki, Rekham Pada, Roppi, Lion and Peacock dance
• Population – 1,382,611
• Mammal – Bos Frontalis
• Tree – Hollong
• Flower – Foxtail Orchid

Arunachal Pradesh is the northeastern state of the country having borders with Bhutan in the west and Myanmar in the east. The McMahon line in the north separates the state from China.

The state is habited by tribes and ethnic groups who speak about 50 languages and dialects. The mountains, lakes, passes, meadows and forests make the state a beautiful one. 

3. ASSAM

• Capital –Dispur 
• Language – Assamese
• Area – 78,438 km²
• Population – 31,169,272
• Dance – Bihu dance
• Mammal – One horned rhinoceros
• Tree – Dipterocarpus, macrocarpus
• Flower -Rhynchostylis retusa

Assam is located in the northeast of India sharing international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh. Woodlands and grasslands cover the land area. Rice is a major crop for the agriculture-based economy. Assam is the highest producer of tea in the country.

Kaziranga National Park and the Manas wildlife sanctuary is the abode to rhinoceroses, tigers and leopards.

 4. Bihar

• Capital – Patna
• Language – Hindi
• Population – 103,804,637
• Area – 94,163 km² 
• Dance – Jat-Jatin 
• Mammal – Gaur
• Tree – Sacred fig
• Flower -Bauhinia variegata

Bihar is a state in East India bordered by Nepal in the north. It was the center of civilization and culture for centuries. Bihar is considered to be a land where Buddha lived and is associated with Buddhism and Jainism.

With agriculture being the basis, rice is the predominant crop. Wheat, barley, pulses, jute, sugarcane and vegetables and fruits are grown extensively.

5. CHHATTISGARH

• Capital – Raipur
• Language – Chhattisgarhi
• Population –2.55 crores
• Area -135,191 km²
• Dance – Panthi
• Mammal – Wild Asian Buffalo
• Tree – Sal
• Flower – Lady’s Slipper
   

Chattisgarh, situated in Central India, has a rich cultural heritage. The state has monuments, carved temples, rock paintings, Buddhist temples, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

Agriculture, mining and energy production is the basis of the economy. The state produces the bulk of tendu leaves for making bidis.

6. GOA

• Capital – Panaji
• Language – Konkani
• Population – 1,458,545
• Area – 3,702 km²
• Dance – Fugdi
• Mammal – Gaur
• Tree – Terminalia elliptica
• Flower – Jasmine

Goa is one of the smallest states in India on the west coast of India. Goa is famous for the Portuguese heritage, its beaches and the sumptuous Goan food.

Rice and coconut are the staple produce. Mining of iron ore, bauxite and manganese have been in prevalence.

7. GUJARAT

• Capital – Gandhinagar
• Language – Gujarati language
• Population – 6.27 crores
• Area – 196,024 km²
• Dance – Garba
• Mammal – Asiatic Lion
• Tree – Banyan
• Flower – Marigold

Gujarat is on India’s western coast bounded by Pakistan in the north-west. The salt deserts of Kucch, semi arid scrublands of Kathiawar, hills of Girnar form a varied landscape.

Mahatma Gandhi built his Sabarmati Ashram here. The state houses architectural marvels and rich culture and heritage.

8. HARYANA

• Capital – Chandigarh
• Language – Hindi
• Population – 2.54 Crores
• Area – 44,212 km²
• Dance – Ghoomar
• Mammal – Blackbuck
• Tree – Sacred Fig
• Flower – Nelumbo Nucifera

Haryana lies in the north of India. The economy of the state centers on agriculture producing large quantities of rice and wheat. Cotton, potatoes and lentils are also grown. The population holds vibrant and colorful celebrations of festivals and arts.

9. HIMACHAL PRADESH

• • Capital – Shimla
  • Language – Hindi
  • Population – 68.6 lakhs
  • Area – 55,673 km²
  • Dance – Nati
  • Mammal – Snow leopard
  • Tree – Deodar cedar
  • Flower -Rhododendron campanulatum

Himachal Pradesh lies in north India, on the foothills of the Himalayas. Livelihood depends on agriculture, horticulture and seasonal herding.

Also Read: Top 12 Longest and Major Rivers of India

The state is abundant with the natural beauty of snow-clad mountains, valleys and streams. The beautiful hill stations of Kulu, Manali, Chamba, Dalhousie, Dharamshala attract tourists.

10. JHARKHAND

• Capital – Ranchi
• Language – Bengali 
• Population – 3.19 crores
• Area – 79,714 km²
• Dance – Paika
• Mammal – Elephant
• Tree – Sal Tree
• Flower – Sacred Tree

Jharkhand in eastern India was formerly a part of Bihar. The state has a diverse culture and tribal presence. The mineral-rich state has a concentration of heavy industries in Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Ranchi. Agriculture is a mainstay of the state.

The state has dense forests, hills, holy places, waterfalls and wildlife parks which are tourist attractions.

11. KARNATAKA

• Capital – Bengaluru
• Language – Kannada
• Population – 6.41 crores
• Area – 191,791 km²
• Dance – Dollu Kunitha
• Mammal – Elephant
• Tree – Indian sandalwood
• Flower – Nymphaea nelumbo

Karnataka is in southwest India lying along the Arabian Sea coastline. The palaces of Mysore and the medieval architecture of Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagar Empire makes the state historically rich.

The mountains, farmlands and the long coastline with beautiful beaches outline Karnataka’s varied landscape. Agriculture, dairy and horticulture earn the major revenue for the state.

12. KERALA

• Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
• Language – Malayalam
• Population – 3.48 crores
• Area – 38,863 km²
• Dance – Kathakali
• Mammal – Asian Elephant
• Tree – cocunut
• Flower -Golden Shower Tree

Kerala is a state on the southern-most tip of India abundant in scenic beauty.

The Arabian Sea shoreline offers beaches and backwaters. The mountains of the Western Ghats houses national wildlife parks and hill stations.

Also Read: 24 Most Popular National Festivals of India

In an agriculture-based economy the cash crops are rubber, coffee and tea. Cardamom, cashew, coconut and pepper fetch high revenues.

13. MADHYA PRADESH

• Capital – Bhopal
• Language – Hindi
• Population – 7.33 crores
• Area – 308,252 km²
• Dance – Maanch dance
• Mammal – barasingha
• Tree – Banyan
• Flower – Sacred Tree

Located in the center of India, Madhya Pradesh is the largest state in India with no coastline or international borders. The topography consists of low hills, plateaus and river valleys. Agriculture is the basis of the economy. Fertile valleys rich in alluvium are cultivated here.

Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho, national parks and Bengal tiger sanctuaries are the main tourist attractions in the state.

14. MAHARASHTRA

• Capital – Mumbai
• Language – Marathi
• Population – 112,372,972
• Area – 307,713 km²
• Dance – Marathi
• Mammal – Indian giant squirrel
• Tree – Mango Tree
• Flower – Jarul

Maharashtra is on the west coast of India and occupies a substantial portion of the Deccan Plateau.

This state is India’s biggest industrial and commercial, manufacturing, finance and administration hub.  Mumbai is the most important port in handling foreign trade.

Mumbai is a very vibrant city with a multi-cultural population of diverse religions.

Gateway of India and the elephant caves of the British raj era are now tourist destinations.

15. MANIPUR

• Capital – Imphal
• Language – Meitei
• Population – 2,855,794
• Area – 22,327 km²
• Dance – Marathi
• Mammal – Sangai
• Tree – Shirui lily
• Flower – Uningthou

Manipur is in north-eastern India. Agriculture and forestry form the basic income source. There are cottage industries in silk production and bamboo crafts.

The exotic landscapes, green valleys, hills, lakes and forests are attractions to tourists. The only floating park in the world, the Kelbul Lamjao National Park is in Manipur.

16. MEGHALAYA

• Capital – Shillong
• Language – Khasi, Pnar and Garo with English
• Population- 26.5 lakh
• Area – 22,720 km²
• Dance- shad nongkrem
• Mammal – elephants, bear, red pandas
• Tree – Dieng-lophiang (Khasi).
• Flower – Paphiopedilum insigne

Meghalaya in the north-east of India is a hilly state with high rainfall, subtropical forests and biodiversity.

Chirapunji which receives the maximum rainfall in the world is in Meghalaya.

Meghalaya is dependent on agriculture and forestry. Rice, maize, potatoes, pineapple, papaya and bananas are the main constituents of agricultural produce.

17. MIZORAM

• Capital – Aizawl
• Language – Mizo ṭawng
• Population-11.2 lakhs
• Area – 21,081 km²
• Dance – Sarlamkai
• Mammal – red serow
• Tree – Mesua ferrea
• Flower – Renanthera imschootiana

Mizoram is situated in north-west India having international borders with Burma and Bangladesh.

More than three-fourths of the land area is covered with forests that provide habitats for animal life. Agriculture is the mainstay of the state.

The moderate climate, even in summer, makes the high hills and peaceful surroundings excellent tourist destinations.

18. NAGALAND

• Capital – Kohima
• Language – English
• Population-22.8 lakhs
• Area – 16,579 km²
• Dance – War Danceand Zeliang Dance.
• Mammal – Himalayan striped squirrel (Tamiops mcclellandii)
• Tree – Alnus nepalensis
• Flower – Rhododendron arboreum

Nagaland in the northwest of India is mountainous and shares an international border with Myanmar.

The capital city hosts museums and ancient weaponry as memorials to their trials in the Second World War. The main occupation of the populace is agriculture.

Nagaland is mainly inhabited by tribes who speak about 60 dialects. Their colorful costumes, spicy food, beautiful dances and festivals attract very many tourists all year round.

19. ODISHA

• Capital – Bhubaneswar
• Language – Odia
• Population- 4.6 crores
• Area – 155,707 km²
• Dance – Odissi
• Mammal – Sambar
• Tree – Banyan Tree
• Flower – Ashoka tree

Odisha is on the eastern side of India on the Bay of Bengal. Forests cover one-third of the land area.

Though most of the land is not suitable for cultivation, the predominant occupation is agriculture.

The temples of Bhubaneswar and Puri, the temple of Konark and long stretches of beaches are the major tourist attractions.

20. PUNJAB

• Capital – Chandigarh
• Language – Punjabi
• Population-2.8 crores
• Area – 50,362 km²
• Dance – bhangra
• Mammal – Blackbuck
• Tree – Indian rosewood
• Flower -Lilium Candidum

Punjab, in the west of India, is the heart of the Sikh community. Punjab is known as the land of five rivers, Ravi, Beas, Chenab, Sutlej, Jhelum, and this network of rivers irrigate the land.

Agriculture is the basis of the economy. Rice and wheat form the major share of the crop. Legumes and pulses, fruits, oilseeds, cotton and vegetables are also grown.

21. RAJASTHAN

• Capital – Jaipur
• Language – Marwari language
• Population-6.89 CRORES
• Area – 342,239 km²
• Dance – Ghoomar
• Mammal – Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), nilgai (Blue bull)
• Tree – Jand
• Flower – Tecomella

Rajasthan in northwestern India is the largest state in India.

The land has scrub vegetation and has scarce rainfall. Millets, wheat, barley, rice, lentils, cotton, and tobacco are grown.

The history of Rajasthan, the palaces, golden-sand deserts, handicrafts and cuisine are the major attractions.

22. SIKKIM

• Capital – Gangtok
• Language – Nepali
• Population- 6.19 lakhs
• Area – 7,096 km²
• Dance – Mask Dance
• Mammal – snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan tahr
• Tree – Rhododendron
• Flower – Noble orchid

Sikkim, in the northeastern part of India, is the smallest state of India. Agriculture is the basis of the economy.

Vegetables and tea are grown. Sikkim is a major producer of cardamom.

India’s highest mountain peak, Kanchenjunga is in Sikkim. Sikkim is known for its scenic beauty of mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes and ancient monasteries.

23. TAMIL NADU

• Capital – Chennai
• Language – Tamil
• Population-6.79 crores
• Area – 130,060 km²
• Dance – Karagattam
• Mammal – Nilgiri tahr
• Tree – Palmyrah 
• Flower – Flame lily

Tamil Nadu is the southern states of India

The town of Kanyakumari, at India’s southernmost tip, is famed for the sunrise at the confluence of three seas.

With lots of culture and religious heritage to its credit Tamil Nadu provides a mixture of the old and the new.

Agriculture and fishing is their occupation. It does have a manufacturing sector for automobiles, agricultural equipment, railway coaches etc.

Also Read: 9 Union Territories and their Capitals of India

24. TELANGANA

• Capital – Hyderabad
• Language – Telugu
• Population- 3.52 crores
• Area – 112,077 km²
• Dance – Perini Shivathandavam
• Mammal – Spotted deer
• Tree – Jammi Chettu 
• Flower – Senna auriculata

Telangana is the newest state in south India comprising of ten districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The Charminar, Golconda Fort and Laad Bazar portray the history of the place.

The rivers Krishna and Godavari provide irrigation to the predominantly agriculture-based economy.

The industrial sector manufacturing electrical equipment and machine tools, pharmaceuticals have recently boosted the economy.

25. TRIPURA

• Capital – Agartala
• Language – Bengali
• Population- 36.6 lakhs
• Area – 10,492 km²
• Dance – Vasant
• Mammal – elephant, sloth bear, Indian wolf
• Tree – Agar (Aquilaria malaccensis)
• Flower – Mesua ferrea

Tripura situated in north-east India is a land-locked state at the foothills of the Himalayas.

It is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides. Half the land area is covered by forests and is inhabited by animals and visited by migratory birds.

Rice is the major crop grown throughout the state. History, tradition, mountains, and forests beckon visitors to the state.

26. UTTAR PRADESH

• Capital – Lucknow
• Language – Hindi
• Population- 20.42 crores
• Area – 243,286 km²
• Dance – Charkula Dance
• Mammal – Barasingha
• Tree – Ashok
• Flower – Brahm Kamal

Uttar Pradesh in North India is the most populous state in the country. Apart from the forests in the southern region, the terrain has mostly scrub vegetation.

Agriculture is the mainstay with rice, wheat, and sugarcane being the major crops.

The Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world, is at Agra. The cities of Varanasi and Prayaga, sacred to Hindus are in Uttar Pradesh.

27. UTTARAKHAND

• Capital – Dehradun
• Language – Hindi; Sanskrit
• Population- 1.01 crores
• Area – 53,483 km²
• Dance – Chhollyia Folk Dance
• Mammal – Tiger, Deer, Sloth bear
• Tree – Burans
• Flower – Saussurea obvallata

Uttarakhand is a state in Northern India nestled in the lap of Himalayas.

The state has international borders with Tibet and Nepal.  The population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.

The popular tourist destinations, hill stations at Mussoorie, Nainital, Dehradun and pilgrimage centers at Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath are all located in this picturesque state.

The world-famous Kumbh Mela is held at Haridwar every 12 years.

28. WEST BENGAL

• Capital – Kolkata
• Language – Bengali.
• Population- 9.03 crores
• Area – 88,752
• Dance – Chhau Dance
• Mammal – Fishing cat
• Tree – Chatian
• Flower – Shephali

West Bengal lies to the east of India between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.

The topography includes forests and mangroves of the Sundarbans. Agriculture based economy produces a significant quantity of rice along with jute, sugarcane, and oilseeds.

The tea produced in the hills of Darjeeling is of high quality.

The capital city’s landmark buildings and the Victoria Memorial remain as remnants of the past as the headquarters of the East India Company and capital of British Raj.